Aricept

Generic Aricept (Donepezil) is used in treatment of dementia (confusion) which is caused by the disease called Alzheimer’s. Donepezil is available in forms of tablet, disintegrated tablet and oral solution. You can either buy Aricept online or from any nearby drugstore; but before that you should speak to your health care provider to evaluate the advantages and hazards of this medication.

Take the dosage of Aricept as per your doctor’s instructions. Do not change the quantity of the dose on your own. If you are taking tablets; take the whole tablet with water before or after a meal. You should not break or crush it. If you are taking disintegrated tablets; follow the instruction given below or as per your health care provider:

• Wash and clean your hands and pat it completely dry.


• To take the tablet out, peel off the foil without pushing tablet.


• Instantly put the tablet on the tongue. 


• The tablet will get dissolved within seconds in your saliva and now you can swallow it.


• Drink a glass of water.

If you are directed to take oral solution form of Aricept shake it well before taking the dose. Take the exact quantity by measuring it with a measuring spoon.

Apart from the desired effects Aricept also has some side effects as below. If you find any of them troubling; contact your doctor.

• Loss of appetite


• Nausea


• Vomiting


• Headache


• Dizziness

It’s not necessary that everyone who uses this drug will have to experience any of them. You must understand that your health care provider is aware of your medical status and also understands that the benefits of this medication are absolutely greater for you than any of the dangers and for that reason he or she has approved this medication for you.

You are advised that before you purchase Aricept you should let your doctor know if you are at present taking any other medicines, supplements or any herbal products.  There are some medicines which should be avoided with Aricept as they may interact with Donepezil. Some of them can be listed as follows:

• Succinylcholine 


• Tolterodine


• Oxybutynin


• Ramelteon

This is an incomplete list, there are some more medicines included in this list. If you wish to know more about Aricept interactions you can talk to your doctor or to the local pharmacist.

If you think that you have overdosed, look for medical attention straight away. You can call on 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Control Center or on 911 for local emergency services. The overdose signs are severe nausea, difficulty in breathing, weakness etc.

• Under any circumstances you must not share your medicine with others.


• Avoid driving and using any machinery that requires attentiveness as Aricept causes dizziness.


• In case you need to undergo any type of surgery you should let your surgeon know that you are currently taking Aricept.


• Let your health care provider know if you have an allergy to Donepezil.


• Update your health care provider with your medical history especially if you ever had stomach ulcers, epilepsy or asthma.


• You need to limit alcohol and alcohol containing beverages.

If you come to know that you have missed taking your dose, take it without delay once you remember it. However, if the timing of your next dose is near then leave out the missed dose and take just the regular scheduled dose. Do not try to take two doses jointly to cover the missed dose.

Aricept is used to treat mild to severe dementia related to Alzheimer’s. It works in the brain by improving the nerve cells functions. It prevents the fall of levels of acetylcholine, which is a chemical found in nerve cells. This chemical is necessary for functions like thinking, reasoning and memory. If the level of acetylcholine goes down it causes Alzheimer’s. Aricept does not cure this disease but indeed helps to increase thinking and reasoning ability.

This medication can be used alone or in combination for other purposes. To get more information about the other uses of this drug you can talk to the pharmacist as and when you buy Aricept at your local drugstore.

You need to store Donepezil at room temperature. Be sure to keep it away from heat and moisture. Do not try to store it in the bathroom or kitchen. Make sure it is away from children’s and pets’ reach. Do not retain the unwanted and outdated medicine at home, discard it without delay. You may discuss with your doctor or the local pharmacist, the correct method of disposing of this medication.

• The use of Donepezil should be avoided in pregnancy as it may have undesirable effects on an unborn baby. If required, discuss with your health care provider all the benefits and risks involved with it.


• Nursing mothers should not take this medication as it passes into breast milk and may cause harm to the nursing baby. If it is urgently required that you take Aricept, first discuss this with your doctor.